In the early hours of Sunday morning, five people were killed and multiple others were injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler in Fort Worth. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the multi-car crash happened on Interstate 30, between Oakland Boulevard and Beach Street, at about 2:30 a.m. Initially, there was only a relatively minor crash on the roadway, but a semi truck also crashed and then caught fire. This nine-vehicle crash involved 17 people and took the lives of five.
Good Samaritan Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash
One of the people killed was actually a good samaritan who stopped to help a stranded driver. Steve and Tracy Franklin were part of a local Jeep club that helps stranded motorists during winter storms. Steve was killed in the crash and Tracey was critically injured and taken to John Peter Smith Hospital. At this time, there’s no word on her condition. Additionally, 43-year-old Veronica Gonzales and 42-year-old Mary Hernandez, of Fort Worth, were both killed in the crash. Additional names haven’t been released yet.
17 People Injured in Crash
Injuries were initially described as minor to critical and life threatening. At this time, we don’t know any of the injured victim’s current conditions or the extent of injuries involved. No less than Eight MedStar units were dispatched to the crash scene. At least one person had to be airlifted to Parkland Hospital too.
Crashes Involving Semi Trucks in Texoma
The tractor-trailer involved was a Ryder truck, getting ready to deliver the Sunday edition of the Star-Telegram. Since commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier than traditional passenger vehicles, they’re required to follow additional rules and regulations to keep roadways safe. This means that accident investigations involving semi trucks are often much more complicated and in depth than investigations involving only small passenger vehicles and light trucks. Multiple investigative agencies may be involved, and the process can be lengthy.
At this time, very few details about this crash have been released. We haven’t heard what caused it or why the 18-wheeler crashed and caught fire. The cause of the multi-car crash is likely still under investigation with authorities. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest heartfelt condolences to the family members, friends and loved ones of the people who were killed in this terrible crash. We also wish swift and full recoveries for all of the injured victims.